Adult Learners
Some of the most effective activities I have found to motivate adult learners who shun some of activities meant for children or high-schoolers are the following:
In a legal class I ask students to put on a blindfold, then interview someone on tape. A third person observes the notes the tones of voice, body language, etc. when your visual sensory is absent.
Also, same scenario, but have the interviewee act resentful on purpose. Have a third person observe the body language, voice tone, etc. of the interviewer.
Also, play a video scene of an intense discussion with no sound. Ask the students to speculate what the scene was about. I note how many students study the visual environment to ascertain what the scene is about in the movie.
Also, have students attempt to explain a situation to another student (which has been provided to them by me) using only hand signs or charades. (i.e. what time does the bus leave? Where can I find the post office? etc.)
Also, I set up mock client-interviews of potential legal cases where I am the potential client. I ask them to interview me about my case. For some specific categories I talk faster, louder, slower, etc. I ask the students to write down the areas where they think I was ashamed, lying, hiding info, etc. They learn a great deal about body language, tone of voice, etc.
Adult learning from my experience require more attention to subject. At times Adult learners want to go on there life experiences vs subject being taught. Adult learners much be assured and at times motivated due to factors outside school envirnoment.
I have the students do role-plays and they really seem to enjoy creating some fun things. They even created some games from the chapters that they presented to the class. The more I can get them involved in their learning, the more they enjoy the class – ownership of their class and their learning.
Sharlen Krause
Sounds like winning strategies for involvement. I teach academics at a culinary school and am trying to think how to adapt your strategies to culinarians. Thanks for your good efforts!
Hi, shawn
the mock interview is very good. I used the mock interview for job seeker for our graduates, sounds very interactive to each other.
andrew
play a video scene of an intense discussion with no sound. Ask the students to speculate what the scene was about. I note how many students study the visual environment to ascertain what the scene is about in the movie.
Hi Ron!
I think that we all have a piece of a child within us. I find that most students really connect to anything that is fun. But the great part for an instructor/facilitor, we watch learning take place!
What fun things do you do in your classroom?
Jane Davis
Ed107 Facilitator
Hi shawn,
These ideas are really on target when it comes to getting adult learniers to "play" a bit. These activities allow for many different perceptions to become active. Nice work.
Ron Weber
Hi Shawn!
All this sounds very intriging - you must have a really great connection with your students.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED107 Facilitator
